Accident investigators are appealing for help into the death of a Tyneside man.

Accident investigators are appealing for help into the death of a Tyneside man.

David Smith, 29, of Irthing Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, was struck by a lorry on the A1 last Friday.

He was hit by a lorry at 7.40pm about three quarters of a mile north of the Blind Lane interchange on the outskirts of Chester-le-Street. He sustained multiple injuries and was certified dead at hospital.

Officers investigating the accident have established that Mr Smith, who was unemployed, left his flat late on December 5.

He told a flatmate he wouldn't be long but his movements between that point and his death are hazy.

He met a relative in Gateshead at 4pm on Friday then travelled to the Chester-le-Street area but it is not known how he got there or whether he was with someone.

PC Keith Butler said: "It is fair to say it is a mystery at the moment as to how Mr Smith ended up on the motorway.

"No one we have spoken to can give a logical reason as to why he would have been in Chester-le-Street."

Anyone with information about Mr Smith's whereabouts between last Wednesday and Friday is asked to contact the accident unit at Durham Police headquarters on (0191) 386 4929.